Scenes of the Early Christians (1722) - Page 15

EARLY CHRISTIANS. II.
2

Administration of Baptism in a river.

After the trial of true faith and virtue has been passed,
The Confessor original: "Belyder"; here referring to the believer who is publicly professing their faith through the rite of baptism. is here immersed in the currents,
As a sign that sin has now been removed from him,
Through Jesus’ cross-blood original: "kruisbloed"; a compound word referring to the blood shed by Christ on the cross, believed by Christians to wash away sins., and to hate the world’s wanton original: "dert'le"; meaning frivolous, reckless, or worldly pleasures that lead one away from a spiritual life. joy,
And to remain faithful to his Lord from this day forward.
Alas! would that the latter could be said of every candidate for baptism! The author expresses a pious concern that not all who are baptized maintain their commitment to a virtuous life after the ceremony.